Pregnant mums and newborns will receive free vaccinations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) under the federal government's new nationwide immunisation program. Health Minister Mark Butler said children under two years old would be eligible for the jab during winter,

A new government program will give pregnant mothers and newborns free access to RSV vaccines, a move that is expected to lower childhood hospitalisations by 90 per cent.

The respiratory virus is the leading cause of hospitalisation for infants, with 12,000 babies admitted each year. Before next winter, protection for mums and bubs will be free.

The federal government will place RSV vaccines on the national immunisation program, as 12,000 babies are hospitalised with the virus each winter.

RSV vaccination for infants and mothers should be administered either in the hospital or directly from a primary health-care provider